Shaheen, Hassan Take Aim At GOP Health Care Overhaul

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan were joined by heath care providers, hospital officials and a recovery advocate as the railed against what they called Trumpcare during a visit to Concord Hopital. Shaheen said based on her review of the GOP bill, the prognosis for New Hampshire is grim.

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"It will be a real disaster for people in New Hampshire. It will result in higher healthcare costs and less coverage."

Senator Hassan stressed the bill would end expanded Medicaid, which has helped about 50,000 in New Hampshire people get insurance, including for drug treatment.

"Mediciad expansion is a lifeline. And to take that lifeline away ois the height of irresponsibility and it is unconscionable."

Governor Sununu has said he has concerns about the GOP bill but has transforming Mediciaid to a block grant system, which this bill contemplates, could help the state. Shaheen says she is hoping to meet with Sununu shortly and will express her opposition to block grants.

Following promises made during the campaign, Republicans are taking steps to repeal the Affordable Care Act. What will replace the health care law, and which provisions will be spared, is still very much a question in Washington. In New Hampshire, that’s causing unease for many in the substance abuse treatment community.